The running center of the All-Russia Athletics Federation (ARAF) on the Rowing Canal Embankment in Nizhny Novgorod opened on November 13, 2026. The complex is free for anyone to use — both beginner running enthusiasts and professional athletes — and has become part of a nationwide network of more than 20 similar facilities being created by ARAF together with the autonomous nonprofit organization "Eurasia."[1][2]
Infrastructure
The center's building is equipped with changing rooms with shower stalls, a training hall for warm-ups and exercise, and lockers for personal belongings. The men's and women's changing rooms each have 32 lockers. Right next to the complex, rubberized running tracks have been laid and a workout area has been set up.[1][2] The center is located near the "Goradrom" sports and entertainment complex.[1]
Opening ceremony
On opening day, the organizers held a family run along the embankment and a festive program for guests.[1][2] Ceremony participants sealed a time capsule with a message to future generations of Nizhny Novgorod athletes — it is due to be opened in 2051, exactly a quarter of a century later.[1][2] The ambassador of the ARAF project in Nizhny Novgorod is Russian national team coach Alexander Abramov.[1]
Background
The idea of building a running center on the embankment of the Rowing Canal was announced in the spring of 2026 by Nizhny Novgorod Region Governor Gleb Nikitin.[1] The Nizhny Novgorod site is included in the nationwide strategy for the development of track and field athletics, which runs through 2036.[1] The federation and the autonomous nonprofit organization Evraziya are implementing a program to develop a network of publicly accessible sports infrastructure across the country: more than 20 similar free-of-charge complexes are planned to open in Russian cities.[1][2]
Sources
- Newsroom24 — A free ARAF running center will open in Nizhny Novgorod on November 13 — Sports
- Pro Gorod Nizhny Novgorod — Next week a free running center will open at the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod